Holness defends $75m allocation to help churches clean up after Melissa

 

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says he is surprised by the contention about the offer from his government to assist churches hit hard by Hurricane Melissa. 

 

The government has offered $75 million to churches that were affected by the hurricane, to assist with the cleanup efforts. 

 

Dr. Holness says the church plays an important role in society and the government is prepared to support them. 

 

"So, in the disaster of Hurricane Melissa, the churches were badly hit. I have seen some of our historic churches totally destroyed. Many churches are without roof. Many of them are flooded, and it is important that we assist the church when we can, if we can, and if they so desire. I don't think it blurs or crosses the line between church and state. I don't think it compromises governance or deprives any other faith or religion of access. No," he declared.

 

Dr. Holness said his administration is not the first to assist churches to recover from natural disasters. He added that other channels are open for additional assistance. 

 

"A special window was opened with the NHT to assist churches to rebuild through loans, and we are opening that window as well. So churches can take advantage of that support as well. But in the present offer of the government, it is that some churches that have been destroyed and they need support in cleaning up and restarting their operations. We have tasked the Social Development Commission to work with the church to conduct the assessment, and we will give some support in that regard. I honestly didn't believe this would become a contentious issue. But it is the world that we live in, and I just thought that I would clarify and make it very clear where my position is, and where the position of the government is," he pointed out.